A performance packed with sword swallowing, taser juggling and record-breaking entertainment drew an exciting crowd to campus Feb. 12, turning an otherwise routine weeknight into an energetic experience. The Distinguished Daredevils paid a visit to UW-Whitewater’s UC Live to give students a good time.
The show delivered exactly what it promised: jaw-dropping stunts, big laughs and nonstop crowd interaction, combining physical skill, comedy and spectacle into a performance that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Following the performance, stunt entertainers Bill Berry and Noah Royal spoke about the preparation behind the show and how it has evolved over time. Berry said the act audiences see today took years to develop.
“I started in ’97,” he said. “It really took me probably four or five years to really develop that first show.”
What began as a short 10-minute performance has grown into a flexible set that can be adjusted depending on time limits or venue needs.
“They say, ‘Oh, we had you over 45. Can you actually do 30?’” Berry said. “We just go cut this and cut that.”
That flexibility comes from constant practice. The performers regularly train and focus on routines so they can rearrange or adapt them without disrupting the flow of the show.
When it comes to favorite moments, Berry said sword swallowing stands out because of the connection it creates with the audience.
“I obviously enjoy the sword swallowing because I get to share that with people,” he said.
Berry was seen walking around the seating area of the show, going up to people recording the act to give them a good shot of the sword.
Some stunts appear less often, including one involving a flaming chainsaw that depends on travel and fire restrictions. In a shorter ceiling area like the basement of the University Center, the flaming chainsaw was not an option.
Berry has taken his act to larger stages as well, including an appearance on America’s Got Talent. He explained his experience on what that was like.
“It was great. Oh my gosh,” he said. “I got to go on the stage and meet all the judges… great experience overall.”
Royal said performing for college audiences brings a different kind of energy compared to other venues.
“Colleges and cruise ships — there are two very different crowds,” he said. “Very different material, very different jokes.”
Even so, the goal is straightforward: have fun. Royal hopes people take that away from the show.
He also described the creative side of the work as what keeps things exciting.
“I live for putting something weird together in the garage and putting it out on stage,” he said, adding that seeing a new idea work in front of a live crowd feels like “a real victory.”
Audience members seemed to share that excitement.
UW-W junior Aiden BlomWillis attended with friends as part of a weekly Thursday outing and said campus events help break up the routine.
“Me and two of my friends come here every Thursday,” he said. “It’s just how we get out, something to do on a Thursday night, which is usually pretty dull.”
BlomWillis’ favorite moment came when he was brought on stage.
“That was awesome. It was crazy,” he said.
Blomwillis said performers like the Distinguished Daredevils help bring students together and create energy on campus.
“To see everyone else out here, it’s so nice,” he said. “Being on campus and being able to see other people… it keeps everything alive.”
Students filled the space with laughter and reactions throughout the night, responding to each stunt and moment of audience interaction. The performance mixed risk, humor and unpredictability, creating an atmosphere that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.
